Calatayud: "My dream as a kid was to become a footballer and it came true"

You were born 50km to the north of Malaga in Antequera. What did your parents do as a living, and what were you like at school?

My mother is a teacher, while my father is an electrical engineer. I was not a bad pupil, but rather a little lazy, and football was always much more interesting for me in school. That is no surprise in the life of a child. Later on it was more difficult to combine my learning with my professional sporting career, which is why it was always in my plans to learn more once my playing career ends.

So there was never going to be anything other than you becoming a footballer?

Many children dream of becoming a footballer, and as this turned out for me, I can say that yes, I decided at an early age what I would like to do later on when I am bigger. I started playing for the club where my parents came from, before continuing with Malaga. Moving there was a big step in my dream coming true.

Were you always going to be a goalkeeper from a very young age or could you have been a big goalscorer?

I started playing in several positions, and yes, even as a forward, but being a keeper was always attractive, and it has been this way ever since. 

Which team do you support?

I became a player with Malaga, and developed so much at that club, so this club lies the closest to me. I have no real favourites outside of Malaga.

Who is your role model?

I do not have a proper real model, but I do admire Iker Casillas, the goalkeeper at Real Madrid. He began playing for them at a very young age, and continues to perform at a high level since then. His personality and results are fantastic. He is an icon, who can be a positive role model to all players.

You have played against some big clubs and players in Spain, what do you most happily think back to?

Home matches at Malaga were always a celebration, with a great atmosphere in their arena. My most memorable match was perhaps the 5-1 win over Barcelona in December 2003. Saviola, Kluivert, Quaresma, Cocu, Xavi all played in their team, while Frank Rijkaard was on the bench.

There were some big opponents later on in the career.

I have played against many stars, and I am thankful that I could play against the likes of Beckham, Ronaldo, Zidane, Ronadinho and Deco.

When it became public that you would be staying for a further year with Videoton, the overall opinion of the supporters was that you were one of the best signings for the club in recent times.

The reaction of the Videoton supporters means a really lot to me. The supporters and the town have grown close to me, and it is quite possible that I will end my playing career here, which is still a bit ahead of me, but I really do feel good here. I am very satisfied with the club. As I have said previously, I came here as I wanted to develop professionally, and playing continuous football gives me that opportunity. It is important that my family also feels good!

Although the season is not yet over, it is now clear that Videoton will not end up winning the league title. How would you sum up the season with this is mind?

Things have sadly not gone according to plan this season, as we and the supporters would have hoped. We could not bring as much enjoyment to them as we promised. There are still three matches left, and the minimum is that we do well in these games and qualify for the Europa League. If we can win the league cup final on Tuesday, it can put a bit of gloss on our season.

You wear the number 1 shirt for Videoton. Did you choose it? Is it important which number you wear?

Sadly I was not always first choice at all the clubs, but I was pleased to choose it here. The number 1 shirt is indicative and if I can have it, I will ask for it. 

Your second child was born in February, what is the baby like?

Yes, fortunately it is easy, and he sleeps well, is quiet so I have no complaints. He watches games from the TV, but he often comes out with my wife to the stadium. He likes the Vidi shirt, and likes the tracksuits, and also recognizes the logo. We recently moved to a quieter family home, which is much better because of the baby, and also because the dogs can also be with us.

What is your average day like if there is no match or training?

I spend all of my free time with my family, and we like to go out on outings, or walk in the city centre, while we also travel a lot to Balaton and Budapest. I do not have a concrete hobby, so I am 100% with the family.

The World cup will take place in the summer, and the holders are Spain who will also take part. How do you see the World cup ending?

It is always very hard to play and win once more as cup holders, especially as one of the toughest opponents, Brazil will be playing at home. Spain are very good and I believe that they can win it again, and I will be supporting them totally.

(Video source: youtube.com)